When to See an ENT for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

By: Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD FAAOA

ENT/Otolaryngologist, Houston, Texas

Snoring may seem like just an annoyance, but for many people, it can be a sign of something more serious—sleep apnea. Left untreated, sleep apnea not only disrupts your rest but can also affect your overall health. At SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston, our ENT specialists help patients uncover the root cause of snoring and provide effective treatment options.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring occurs when airflow through the nose and throat is partially blocked during sleep. This can be due to:

• Nasal obstruction (such as a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates)

• Swollen tonsils or adenoids

• Relaxed throat and tongue muscles

• Excess weight around the neck

• Chronic sinusitis or nasal allergies

While occasional snoring may not be dangerous, frequent or loud snoring can signal a more serious problem like sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when throat or nasal tissues block the airway. Symptoms may include:

• Loud, chronic snoring

• Gasping or choking during sleep

• Morning headaches

• Excessive daytime fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating

• Mood changes or irritability

If untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more.

When to See an ENT for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

You should schedule an appointment with an ENT if you or a loved one experience:

• Snoring that disturbs your sleep or your partner’s sleep

• Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep

• Persistent fatigue even after a full night’s rest

• Frequent sinus infections or nasal blockage

• Enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or other structural issues in the throat or nose

An ENT can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether your snoring is caused by nasal obstruction, throat anatomy, or sleep apnea—and recommend the right treatment.

How an ENT Can Help

At SCENT Houston, we provide a range of treatments for snoring and sleep apnea, including:

• Nasal treatments for allergies, sinusitis, or deviated septum

• Tonsil, throat, or adenoid surgery if enlarged tissues are obstructing airflow

• Minimally invasive procedures such as balloon sinuplasty

• Collaboration with sleep specialists for CPAP therapy or oral appliances

• Surgical solutions for airway reconstruction if needed or the Inspire implant

Our goal is to help patients achieve better sleep, improved health, and a higher quality of life.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

Don’t ignore snoring—it may be more than just noise. If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea or disruptive snoring, schedule a consultation at SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston. Our ENT specialists will get to the root cause and help you breathe—and sleep—better.

👉 Call today to book your appointment and take control of your sleep health.